Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. Potential for severe thunderstorms. High 82F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 58F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.

Campers lined the tree line in Elgin Park in this file photo from summer 2020.

Campers lined the tree line in Elgin Park in this file photo from summer 2020.

Don’t overstay your welcome off of the Bighorn National Forest’s road this summer, or you’ll probably get a citation.

That’s according to Thad Berrett, Powder River District ranger, who said that forest rangers are more intentionally patrolling the southern portion of the forest’s most popular areas, checking license plates and campers to ensure that campers are observing the 14-day stay limit. 

A citation fee increase and having employees interface with campers about why it’s important to move their campsites seems to be working to curb negative impacts of irresponsible dispersed camping, Berrett said.

“The guy that’s doing patrols, he’s trying to educate people, and a lot of people are moving more readily because they’re getting the education they need,” he said. 

The idea behind moving campsites 5 aerial miles every 14 days is to give other visitors the opportunity to recreate. Those who receive citations can expect to be fined $100, plus another $20 for every day they’ve overstayed the 14-day limit.

“Even with the high fuel costs, if people aren’t using their campers quite a bit, this strategy of moving from spot to spot, if you’re not going to get back here in two weeks, a citation is going to cost you more than the fuel to come take your camper off,” Berrett said.

Closures in Yellowstone National Park due to flooding have brought in more tourists in the past few weeks. But numbers haven’t been as high as they were at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Berrett said.

“There’s lots of people out there but not an extreme number by any means,” he said.

The Bighorn Climbers Coalition, an organization of area climbers, reminded visitors on social media to pack out human and animal waste in areas they’re sport climbing, particularly Tensleep Canyon. 

“I’m starting to hear about human waste being found near the base of climbs so peak season is upon us,” the coalition wrote on its Facebook page. “Please treat our climbing areas with respect.”

Increased recreation near the town of Ten Sleep has prompted the coalition to bring in porta-potties to reduce the impacts of human waste. 

The forest hoped to hire nine additional staffers to help with increased demand on the forest, but candidates did not take the jobs. This leaves the forest with slightly fewer staff than it had last year, Berrett said. 

More cattle are descending on the forest right now, too, as grazing begins. Berrett said he reminds visitors to close gates so cattle don’t get out of pastures. Sheep will also be present on the mountain, starting July 6, and so will sheepherders and their guard dogs.

“We’ve got our signs up talking about those, and the more that people can identify that they are a person around those dogs, the better they are,” Berrett said. “If (visitors) stop and take time to talk to the dog and slow down on their bikes and not take off to try to get away, oftentimes the dogs are gonna realize you’re a person. They might continue to bark, but they’re not going to get aggressive.”

Crazy Woman Canyon Road will be under construction this summer. There will be temporary closures on weekdays during the day while crews are working.

The area will also be closed to camping on weekdays, Berrett said. More information will be released in the coming weeks.

Forest Service Road 382, near Sourdough Road, will have heavy logging activity for the rest of the summer. 

Alex joined the Bulletin in March 2021 and covers health care, energy and natural resources. Reach out with ideas or comments at alex@buffalobulletin.com.

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Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. Potential for severe thunderstorms. High 82F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.

Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 58F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.

Intervals of clouds and sunshine. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 85F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.